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The family of Wen Jiabao, the Chinese premier, have denied newspaper
allegations that its members control a combined fortune worth more than $2.7
billion (£1.7 billion), claiming in a statement that no such “hidden riches”
exist.

The brief statement, issued through lawyers and fed to media in Hong Kong,
marks the first time that a figure within the top echelon of the Chinese
political elite has publicly rejected allegationsthat have appeared in
foreign media. The response, political analysts said, hints at the
behind-the-scenes torment unleashed by the article.

The website of the New York Times, which published the allegations,
remains